Max Laubstein is on a rarity streak today!!! We pulled up at Stowe about 15 minutes ago, and he quickly and effortlessly spotted a Black-throated Green Warbler, presumably the same individual first seen by Alan Hopkins last spring, and again by Brian Turner and Friends last fall.

At 5:15pm today a Hermit Thrush popped in, splashed around in the bird bath for a long minute, gave itself a good hard shake then flew off.

Reporting a couple of days late: Wednesday at 6:30 Wed AM just as a cloudless dawn was breaking, a Great Horned Owl hooted from the pines up Poppy Lane/behind our house. Jupiter was brilliant, and the even brighter Venus tracked slightly later. What a way to start the day!

Saw 2/3 post on eBird from Jonah Benningfield for this bird @ Stow. Went out on 2/8 and met Ruddy Wallenberg who informed me that the bird was seen on the easternmost island where the great blue heron's nests are sited. Went out again on 2/9 and spotted the bird on the island around 11:30 am from Strawberry Hill at the bench just north of the base of the waterfall. It was very active in the open and afforded several good looks before if went back into the thickets in the center of the island.

This morning at the Sutro Baths, a single Red-necked Grebe spent some minutes slowly fishing its way from North Rock eastward around Land's End. There were also four female Common Goldeneyes, 1,2,and 1, all heading north and then into the channel as well. There's quite an uptick in this species presence in unusual spots this winter.

Also interesting was a single song phrase from a male Wrentit at Ft Miley East, between the Legion and the VA Hospital, along with a small flock each of Western Bluebird and Pine Siskin.

Just heard from Jonah Benningfield that there are currently 2 Black Skimmers at the Fort Mason Yacht Harbor. Don't have any details on specific location (maybe on the breakwall?), but given the nature of Skimmers in the city it is likely best to chase these birds soon if you want a shot at seeing them.

Went out to see what the storm dragged in at Baker Beach. A stealthy red-necked grebe was in with increased numbers of scoters nearshore. 710 red-throated loons flew out of the gate during a calm period, presumably seeking shelter in the bay. Also very out of my norm for my yard at my recently re-activated feeder, a very tame male brown-headed cowbird. I’ve looked for the eastern phoebe many mornings in the last couple weeks but no sign of it.

This afternoon, during my sailing practice (around 5:20), I was headed out of the Golden Gate Yacht Club harbor, when I saw a flock of medium-sized shorebirds flying overhead, possibly BBPL, but I don't really know. Anyways, while I was tracking those as they flew west, I got on (2) BLACK SKIMMERS flying east over the rocky spit (with the Wave Organ at the end).

Their bouncy flight style, long wings, partially orange bill, and entirely black upperparts with white undersides were all visible, even though I had no binoculars. They were flying east, towards Fort Mason, although I quickly lost them as we sailed away. I tried and failed to pick them out from a distance over the next hour or so, and on my way back into the harbor I didn't see them, although by that point it was very dark and pouring rain. However, I suspect that they flew into the Bay, rather than sticking around so close to the gate, and I would suggest checking potential roosting spots (Bayside?) if one were to look for them in SF. That said, I'll be out on my bike tomorrow before and after school (when it's not pouring), and I'll bring along a camera just in case.

Went out to see what the storm dragged in at Baker Beach. A stealthy red-necked grebe was in with increased numbers of scoters nearshore. 710 red-throated loons flew out of the gate during a calm period, presumably seeking shelter in the bay. Also very out of my norm for my yard at my recently re-activated feeder, a very tame male brown-headed cowbird. I’ve looked for the eastern phoebe many mornings in the last couple weeks but no sign of it.

The two black skimmers are sitting at the end of the platform at the entrance to the Saint Francis Yacht Harbor. You can walk out to the end of the wave organ, or you can be lazy like me and see them from the end of the Marina Green parking lot. I suppose if you are exceptionally skilled with binoculars you might be able to see them without rolling to a complete stop. Thanks, Jonah

Both adults (ASYs) at different stages of molt - p5 dropped and p9 dropped. Adults by lack of pale tips to unmolted primary coverts and molt clines in remiges and among wing coverts.Thanks to Jonah for discovering, refinding, and quickly reporting these birds.

Verify Delete

Are you sure you wish to delete this message from the message archives of SFBirds@groups.io? This cannot be undone.

Verify Repost

Are you sure you wish to repost this message?

Report Message

Reason

Report to Moderators
I think this message isn't appropriate for our Group. The Group moderators are responsible for maintaining their community and can address these issues.
Report to Groups.io Support
I think this violates the Terms of Service. This includes: harm to minors, violence or threats, harassment or privacy invasion, impersonation or misrepresentation, fraud or phishing.